China Daily reader Peter Hoeker takes part in a blind-tasting and walks away with a bottle of Marlborough Savignon Blanc. Cheering him on are Qu Yingpu (L), the paper's Deputy Editor-in-chief and Pauline D Loh (L), managing editor of China Daily's Sunday edition. [Photo by Zhu Xingxin / China Daily]

BEIJING - Despite a gloomy weather forecast, China Daily readers congregated in its main lobby to enjoy sunshine, fine wine and good company at a gathering for readers on Friday afternoon.

China Daily Deputy Editor-in-Chief Qu Yingpu started off with a quick recap of the paper's 30-year history and also updated readers on its expansion plans.

"I know you are all here because you are China Daily readers. A very warm welcome to all of you, and I hope this is the beginning of a long, intimate relationship," said Qu.

"At China Daily, we put our readers first - and you can see this from our reader-friendly design, and the way we craft our stories."

After Qu's speech, the guests were treated to a tasting of select wines provided by Aussino World Wines, accompanied by canaps and desserts from the Swisstel Beijing, the Park Plaza Beijing Wangfujing, and InterContinental Beijing.

Of the many guests who attended, many were embassy officials, members of domestic and international media, and representatives of government departments.

They mingled with section editors of China Daily, who took the chance to gather feedback and comments from their readers.

Peter Hoeker, the chief representative of etiquette training and consulting company Knigge Akademie, said he was enjoying the event but laughingly commented that the white wine was a tad too cold.

"Whenever there is something related to China or Chinese news I turn to China Daily," Hoeker said. "I met some very interesting people and I would like to come back to another reader meet-up."